A week before we leave and I'm only writing an entry here to ensure that I can persuade my ipad to allow me to write some sense on a tiny keyboard and then whizz my words through the ether and onto the screens of anyone else in the world who might have the minutest interest in my inconsequential journals. Not packed yet. And some of my plans are unravelling. Had hoped to have a tour of Hanoi with Hanoi Kids which according to the travellers' bible (i.e. tripadvisor) is more than worth one's while in order to meet the locals and get to know the city somewhat. However, my attempted booking two weeks before departure was in vain as I was too slow off the mark. So will have to aimlessly wander in an inevitably confused state.... as per usual. Expecting to be hassled and scammed and conned out of several hundred thousand dong!